University of Pikeville’s Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine students and faculty will welcome Steve Davis, M.D., as the guest speaker for “Current Issues in Medicine” on Friday, Sept. 16.

Davis currently serves as the Acting Commissioner/State Health Officer for the Department of Public Health. Prior to his appointment in state government, Davis was a practicing pediatrician. He first practiced in Glasgow, Ky., before establishing a large pediatric medical practice in Pikeville which provided comprehensive pediatric care to approximately 16,000 children.

During his public health career Davis led public health efforts to establish legislation for early childhood development programs, including Birth Defects Prevention, Home Visiting Program for improved pregnancy outcomes (HANDS), Healthy State in Child Care, Immunizations for Underinsured Children, Early Childhood Mental Health and Oral Health for Children. In 2005, Davis led a group effort to develop legislation to expand newborn metabolic screening. In 2006, Davis was instrumental in developing six Diabetes Centers of Excellence across the state. The sites provide education in the management and treatment of diabetes, resulting in better outcomes for Kentucky’s diabetic population.

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